Columbus, Georgia

MINUTES

COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

REGULAR SESSION

MARCH 16, 2004



The regularly weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to

order at 9:02 A.M., Tuesday, March 16, 2004, on the Plaza Level of the

Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Robert S. Poydasheff, Mayor,

and Honorable John J. Rodgers, Mayor Pro Tem presiding.



***

*** ***



PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Poydasheff and Mayor Pro Tem John J. Rodgers

were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson, Julius H. Hunter,

Jr., Evelyn Turner Pugh, Nathan Suber and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Carmen

Cavezza, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and

Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also present.



ABSENT: Councilor Wayne Anthony was absent, but was officially excused upon

the adoption of Resolution Number 138-04.



***

*** ***









INVOCATION: Offered by Reverend Jessie Kelley, Associate Pastor-

Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church.

--------------------------------------------------*** ***

***------------------------------------------------------------



PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Robert S. Poydasheff.

--------------------------------------------------*** ***

***-----------------------------------------------------------

MINUTES: Minutes of the March 9, 2004 meeting of the Council of the Columbus

Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were submitted and approved

unanimously upon the adoption of a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and

seconded by Councilor Allen.

--------------------------------------------------*** ***

***-----------------------------------------------------------

ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS:



THERE WERE NO ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS SCHEDULED FOR TODAY?S MEETING.

--------------------------------------------------*** ***

***------------------------------------------------------------

PROCLAMATIONS:



"CSU DAY?:



With Ms. Meri Robinson, Director of the CSU Annual Fund Drive, Office of

Development at Columbus State University, Ms. Sharon Wiley, Development

Coordinator and Mr. John Lester, Public Relations Director standing at the

Council table, Councilor Turner Pugh read the proclamation of Mayor Poydasheff,

proclaiming April 1, 2004, as "CSU Day", in Columbus, Georgia.



***

*** ***



?CURLY MONEY?:



With Ms. Mary Ann Johnson of the Gallops Senior Center, Ms.Selsa Nunez and

Ms. Barbara Pasco of the Parks & Recreation Department, as well as a member of

the family of Curly Money standing at the Council table, Councilor Henderson

read the proclamation of Mayor Poydasheff, proclaiming high honor and

recognition for the late Curly Money.

--------------------------------------------------*** ***

***----------------------------------------------------------------

CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:



WITH MR. ANTHONY (TONY) KOMIOTIS STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE

FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND READ IN ITS

ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR ALLEN AND ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:



A Resolution (130-04) - Commending Mr. Anthony (Tony) Komiotis for his

valiant efforts in saving the lives of Ms. Debra Hall and her two grandchildren

in a structure fire at 4311 Meritas Drive. Councilor Allen moved the adoption

of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and carried unanimously by

those nine members of Council present for this meeting standing to cast their

affirmative vote.



*** ***

***



WITH THOSE NAMED IN THE RESOLUTION STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE

FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND READ IN ITS

ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR DAVIS AND ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:



A Resolution (131-04) - Commending Mr. Joe Catrone, Ms. Creesey Milner and

Mr. Mike Harper for their valiant efforts in attempting to save the life of Mr.

Charles Edward Ensign at an Adult Hockey game. Councilor Davis moved the

adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried

unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting standing

to cast their affirmative vote.



*** ***

***



WITH LT. PAULA CARTER STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING

RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY

COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:



A Resolution (132-04) - Commending and congratulating Lt. Paula Carter of

the Columbus Fire and Emergency Medical Services upon her receipt of the 2004

Region Seven EMT of the Year Award. Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of

the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by those

nine members of Council present for this meeting standing to cast their

affirmative vote.



***

*** ***



WITH COACH POWELL AND MEMBERS OF THE COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL LADY BLUE DEVILS

BASKETBAL TEAM STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS

SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR HUNTER AND

ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:



A Resolution (133-04) - Commending and congratulating the Columbus High

School Lady Blue Devils Basketball team upon their Second Place finish in the

Georgia Class AAAA State Championship held in Duluth, Georgia. Councilor

Hunter moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Henderson

and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this

meeting standing to cast their affirmative vote.



***

*** ***



WITH REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE MOREHOUSE COLLEGE GLEE CLUB, SPELMAN COLLEGE

GLEE CLUB AND THE TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY CONCERT CHOIR STANDING AT THE COUNCIL

TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND READ IN

ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR HUNTER AND ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:





A Resolution (134-04) - Commending and congratulating the Morehouse

College Glee Club, Spelman College Glee Club and the Tuskegee University

Concert Choir upon their performance at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Choral

Extravaganza held on January 18, 2004 at the RiverCenter for the Performing

Arts. Councilor Hunter moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by

Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council

present for this meeting.



***

*** ***



THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY

AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:



An Ordinance (04-17) - Regulating vehicular traffic in Columbus, Georgia

by establishing/amending the parking restrictions along the following street

segments: Acacia Drive -establishing a no parking anytime, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

weekdays, along the north curb of Acacia Drive beginning at the east curb of

Rosemont Drive and running easterly a distance of 321 feet; Gurley Drive ?

establishing a no parking anytime, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm weekdays, along the north

curb of Gurley Drive beginning at the east curb of Acacia Drive and running

east to the west curb of Chalfonte Drive, and along the east curb of Gurley

Drive beginning at the north curb of Warm Springs Road and running north to the

south curb of Chalfonte Drive; authorizing the installation of official traffic

control signs indicating said parking restrictions; repealing any conflicting

ordinances and for other purposes.



Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor

Suber and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this

meeting.



*** ***

***



THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY

AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:



An Ordinance (04-18) - Providing for the demolition of structures located

at 3213 Head Street (John L., Jr. & Daphne Cannon, joint owners); 564

Chesterfield Avenue (Anna Bynum Davis and Marian B. Dykes, owners); 746 Church

Avenue (Colby Curtis Davis, owner); 744 ? Church Avenue (Robert Wiley Davis,

owner); 1805 Lincoln Street (Ben Howard, owner); 3012 4th Avenue (Mamie

Littlefield, owner); 2517 Dawson Street (Ricky Nichols, owner); 1 Woodland

Circle (Carl D. & E. H. Russell, owners); and 2208 8th Street (Joseph

Whittlesey, Sr., Estate, owner) and for demolition services for the Inspections

and Code Division in accordance with the Tabulation of Bid sheet.



City Attorney Fay said he understands that there is a gentleman who wants

to speak to the Council as it relates to the property at 564 Chesterfield

Avenue before the vote is taken.



Councilor Suber made a motion that the gentleman be heard. Seconded by

Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council

present for this meeting.

Mr. Delander Nelson said he has a contract to purchase the property

located at 564 Chesterfield Avenue and said the reason he wasn?t here on last

week is because he was under the impression that because he had a contract the

demolition of that property would be extended and that everything leading to

that property would be turned over to him. He said there was a slight problem

with the contract whereby a deceased party did not sign the contract; however,

that portion of it has now been worked out. He said he is asking for an

extension of the demolition or to remove this property from the demolition and

said if that does take place, he will then purchase the property and take care

of all the necessary items to refurbish the property or demolish the property

within a reasonable amount of time.



He said he has spoken with Councilor Suber in this regard and have

explained to him how they would go about in taking care of this issue, as well

as have spoken to the City. He said he would take care of all the permits, if

there is any electrical or plumbing work that needs to be done, which must be

handled through the City. He said he would bring the property up to Code and

ensure that it is not an eyesore to the City.



Councilor Suber pointed out that Mr. Nelson did call him on last week and

said the owner is present here this morning and he thinks that she is willing

to state that Mr. Nelson does have a contract to do everything that needs to be

done. He then asked Mr. Nelson, how long does he think it will take to do the

work that needs to be done in order to bring this property back up to Code.



Mr. Nelson said once he has started on the property, it shouldn?t take him

no longer than 45 days to complete the property. He said he is not sure as of

this point, because he had to stop the bank closing because he wasn?t sure

about the actual deeds and how that was set up.



Councilor Suber, speaking to Mr. Nelson, said if this Council gives you

90-days, you are assuring us that the property will be up to Code or that he

would demolish it himself, to which Mr. Nelson, said he is 100% sure of that;

yes, that?s correct.



Councilor Suber then made a motion to grant Mr. Nelson 90-days to bring

the property up to Code and/or demolish the property. Seconded by Councilor

Woodson.



Several minutes of discussion developed on this matter, with members of

the Council expressing their views, after which Mr. Nelson then responded to

questions of members of the Council.



City Manager Cavezza then asked if we are going to remove it from the

demolition list or are we going to delay second reading of this property. He

said he would suggest that we delay second reading, so that if something should

happen we won?t have to start the entire process over again.



Councilor Suber then amended his motion to delay the second reading of the

property located at 564 Chesterfield Avenue for 90-days. He said he would like

to hear from the owner, Ms. Dukes, to allow her to make some comments that may

relieve any doubts or concerns that the Council may have.



Councilor Henderson seconded Councilor Suber?s motion for a 90-day delay.



Ms. Dukes said that Mr. Larry Joe Sullen owns three-fourths of the

property and said on Friday, they went to his attorney?s office and his

attorney gave him his title to the property. She said they then went to the

Probate Court?s office and it was supposed to have been probated at that time.



Ms. Dukes then responded to questions of Mayor Poydasheff and City

Attorney Fay as to whether or not there were Letters of Testamentary issued or

was there an Administrator appointed.



After more than fifteen minutes of discussion on this matter, Mayor

Poydasheff then called the question on Councilor Suber?s motion to delay the

demolition of property located at 564 Chesterfield Avenue for 90-days, which

carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting.



Councilor Allen then made a motion to adopt the ordinance. Seconded by

Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council

present for this meeting.



*** ***

***



THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY

FAY AND INTRODCUED ON FIRST

READING:



An Ordinance - Regulating vehicular traffic in Columbus, Georgia by

deleting from the ?Official Street Map, City of Columbus, Georgia? the street

segment and right-of-way of Bay Avenue from the north right-of-way line of

Dillingham Street north to south right-of-way line of Tenth Street; providing

that all existing utility easements of record remain in effect and providing

appropriate width as required by the applicable utility companies will be

reserved for unknown utilities; authorizing the disposal of said property in

accordance with the Columbus Charter; repealing any conflicting ordinances; and

for other purposes.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers said he would like to confirm with the City Manager

that this is just the street closure. City Manager Cavezza said this is the

quitclaim on the street and we will bring back the resolution at a later date

on the greenspace.

---------------------------------------------------------*** ***

***-------------------------------------------------------

PUBLIC AGENDA:



MR. JOHN D. SKIPPER, REPRESENTING NORTH HIGHLAND ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH,

RE: TO EXTEND AN INVITATION TO THE MAYOR & COUNCIL:



Mr. Skipper said he is here to invite the Mayor and Council to attend a

very special event at the River Center, which will be held in the Bill Heard

Theatre on April 2 & 3, 2004. He said his church is producing the ?Triumph?

which is a Broadway style production of the timeless story of Passion Week. He

said we are going to take you through every event through that week in the life

of Christ.



He said they would love to have everyone experience it, as they are very

excited about it. He said they have been working on this production for almost

a year now; long before we heard of Mel Gibson?s movie, ?The Passion of the

Christ?. He said all of the proceeds would go to the Valley Rescue Mission.



Mr. Skipper introduced Mr. Robert French, their Administrator from North

Highland Assembly of God Church who was present with him this morning.



*** *** ***



MR. EDWARD DUBOSE, REPRESENTING THE COLUMBUS NAACP, VOTING IRREGULARITIES

DURING THE MARCH 2, 2004 ELECTION & RECOGNITION OF AQUAVIOUS SAMUELS FOR

WINNING THE LONG JUMP EVENT IN GEORGIA STATE TRACK:







Mr. Dubose said there were some problems with voting during the March 2,

2004 election; however, it seems that Ms. Boren is on top of that. He said he

just wants to bring that before the Council, as they have received telephone

calls in their office. He said there were individuals who thought that they

were registered to vote and in fact when they went to their polling places,

were not registered. He said there were some of the ballot cards that were not

operating properly.



He said as we move closer to the election for City Council, School Board

and especially, the Presidential election, he would hope that we can find a way

to be on top of these issues. He said there were also individuals who

registered through the motor voter, they thought they were registered to vote,

but later found out they were not registered.



Mr. Dubose said he understands that Ms. Boren is on top on this situation,

but said it is still important for him to bring this matter forward as we move

into the election season.



Mr. Dubose then distributed around the Council table, some information on

the other matter that he is here before the Council on today to present, as it

relates to Aquavious Samuels.



He said Aquavious Samuels, a senior at Jordan High School participated in

the Georgia State High School Track Meet on May 15, 2003 in Jefferson, Georgia

at Jefferson High School Stadium where he won the Long Jump event, with a jump

of 23 feet, 10? inches and took the 2003 Georgia State Championship. He said he

was later awarded the winner of the overall Field event in Long Jump, which was

supposed to be awarded a different award; however, he had already left the

event on May 16, 2003 with his Coach, Mr. Russell Scott not knowing that at the

time, the event required his presence.



Mr. Dubose continued for some eight minutes or more outlining the events

and the problem that Aquavious Samuels encountered in not receiving his award.



He said this young man represented Columbus and was the State Champion,

and he has been told that this was the first time since the late 70s that a

State Championship has been awarded to Jordan High School.

He said this is the first time that an African American has ever been awarded

the recognition.



Mr. Dubose said he would like to see the Council bring Aquavious Samuels

in and present him with a resolution from the Council.



Councilor Henderson said he would call for the resolution to congratulate

Mr. Samuels on his honor. He said it is unfortunate that unless you participate

in Track & Field, it is one of those sports that fall below the radar with some

of the mainstream folks; however, it doesn?t diminish the accomplishments at

all. He said he don?t think there is anything we can do about the trophy that

was damaged.



Mayor Poydasheff encouraged Mr. Dubose to get all the information that he

can, so that a proper resolution can be prepared for Aquavious Samuels. He said

he will get together privately with Mr. Dubose and we will work this out. He

said he would also call Dr. Phillips of the School District to see if they can

do something about the trophy.



Councilor Turner Pugh encouraged individuals to call the Council, if they

know any of these things are happening with students and adults, if anyone

would call and give them the information, they would be glad to do it. She said

if they don?t know it?s going on, they don?t have any way of being able to do

it. She said she doesn?t want the public to think that we are ignoring anybody;

because we always try to recognize anyone who has done anything great in

Columbus and for the City of Columbus.



Mayor Poydasheff then asked Mr. Dubose to meet with the City Attorney to

provide the information that is needed for the resolution.



Mr. Dubose then responded to questions of the Mayor and Council.

------------------------------------------------------*** ***

***----------------------------------------------------------

CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER

CAVEZZA AND DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL AT HIS REQUEST:



A Resolution - Requesting the approval to declare three acres of property

at 5001 Steam Mill Road in Shirley Winston Park as surplus and sell said

property to the adjacent property owner, Peters Chapel A.M.E Church.



City Manager Cavezza said he would like to request a delay on this issue as

there is an administrative issue that we need to deal with before we ask the

Council to address it. Councilor Suber made a motion to delay the resolution.

Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of

Council present for this meeting.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING THREE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS, WITH DETAILED INFORMATION

HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA PACKET, WERE ALSO SUBMITTED

AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER CAVEZZA AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL UPON THE

ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY

COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING:







A Resolution (135-04) - Authorizing the purchase of miscellaneous fire

equipment from Fireline, Inc., in the amount of $14,563.75, which will consists

of nozzles, salvage covers, generators, chainsaws, etc., and will be used by

the Columbus Fire and Emergency Medical Services.



A Resolution (136-04) - Authorizing payment to Emory University Hospital

in the amount of $11,418.22, to cover expenses for an inmate housed at the

Muscogee County Jail for the past four consecutive years whereby an unusual

growth was discovered on the inmate?s pancreas. A biopsy was required to

ensure the patient?s well being and after repeated attempts, without success,

to find a qualified local physician to undertake such a biopsy, Emory

University Hospital in Atlanta agreed to perform the biopsy.



A Resolution (137-04) -Authorizing the purchase of two (2) three-wheeled

patrol vehicles from Stovall Turf & Industrial in the amount of $47,600.00;

which are replacement units that will be utilized by thePolice Department for

security along the Riverwalk, Civic Center, as well as special events.



*** *** ***



EXECUTIVE SESSION:



City Manager Cavezza said he would like to request a brief executive

session after the adjournment of today?s meeting to discuss a matter of

potential litigation.



*** *** ***



UPCOMING EVENTS:



City Manager Cavezza highlighted the upcoming events as outlined below.





Tues. Mar 16 12:00 p.m. Metra Bus Museum Unveiling 814 Linwood Blvd

Tues Mar 23 11:30 a.m. Georgia Power Luncheon River Club

Thurs Mar 25 - 26 TBD Columbus South Task Force Liberty Theater

Retreat





*** *** ***



NORTHERN LITTLE LEAGUE:



Councilor Allen said he would like to thank City Manager Cavezza and his

staff, particularly Deputy City Manager Hugley for helping move the lights

forward at the Northern Little League field. He said they set a target date of

March 13th, which was met and he wants to thank you for that.



*** *** ***



TRACK & FIELD EVENT:



Councilor Davis said he noticed in the newspaper on yesterday, there were

two young men and a young lady who was voted as ?Nike All Americans?, in the

sport of Track & Field. He said he doesn?t know the names of these individuals

and then asked City Manager Cavezza to have someone to check with the Columbus

Ledger-Enquirer Newspaper to see if we can find out who they are and when we

make the presentation of the resolution to Aquavious Samuels, we can also

present them with a resolution as well.



Councilor Woodson also made comments as it relates to problems that her

son?s school had with the sport of Track & Field not being recognized. She said

that is something that happens throughout the City and said maybe the public

needs to go out and promote and support it more. She said unfortunately it is a

sport that a lot of people don?t pay attention to.



Councilor Hunter said it is correct that Track & Field on the High School

and College level does not receive a lot of attention; but worldwide Track is

one of the biggest sports. He said some of the richest athletes in the world

are Track athletes. He said he would encouraged those who are participating in

Track, to continue doing it and don?t stop because of the lack of recognition.

He said if you are very good you could be rewarded.



Mayor Poydasheff said he and the City Manager could sign a letter and send

it to Dr. John Phillips, Superintendent of Schools and forward the concerns of

the Council encouraging them to enhance the recognition of the sport of Track &

Field within the Muscogee County School System. He said that is certainly

within their providence, but he thinks that we can express the desire of the

Council that this be done.

-----------------------------------------------------*** ***

***--------------------------------------------------------------

CLERK OF COUNCIL'S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS

INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR AND

COUNCIL:



(1) ACCG?s Legislative Update Newsletter, Volume 14, Number 7.



(2) Memo from Ms. Gloria Weston-Smart submitting a nominee, Mr. Chuck

Granberry for consideration to replace Mr. Joel Collis on the Keep Columbus

Beautiful Commission.



(3) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Joe Alexander, Councilor Davis? nominee

to replace Mr. Andrew Mullin as an alternate member on the Planning Advisory

Commission.



(4) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Charlene LeBleu, Councilor Davis? nominee to

replace Mr. Bob Crane as an alternate member on the Planning Advisory

Commission.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL

WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:



A Resolution(138-04) - Excusing Councilor Wayne Anthony from the March 16,

2004 Council Meeting. Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution.

Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members

of Council present for this meeting.



*** *** ***



MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL

WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:



Development Authority, February 5, 2004.

Tax Assessors, No. 9.

Uptown Fa?ade Board, February 16, 2004.

Zoning Appeals, Board of, February 4, 2004.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers made a motion that these minutes be received.

Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of

Council present for this meeting.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING TWO NEW ZONING PETITIONS, RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL BY BOTH

THE PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION AND THE PLANNING DIVISION WERE SUBMITTED BY

CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND AN ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING WERE CALLED FOR

BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL:



Petition submitted by Steve Fuller to rezone approximately 0.36 acres of

property located at 3707 & 3717 2nd Avenue from an A-O District to a C-3

District. (10-A-04-Fuller)



Petition submitted by Lane Jimmerson to rezone approximately 0.33 acres of

property located at 3715 2nd Avenue from an A-O District to an

C-3 District. (11-A-04-Jimmerson)



*** *** ***



BOARD APPOINTMENTS:



BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we still need someone to fill

the seat of Mr. Dennis Luby who cannot succeed himself.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers then nominated Mr. Scott Voynich.



*** *** ***



CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we need a nomination for

someone to succeed Mr. Arthur Thomason and Mr. Terry Hattaway, who have

resigned their seats on the Civic Center Advisory Board.



She also pointed out that there are two members who were recently

reappointed for another term of office on the board; however, they no longer

resides in that district in which they were appointed to serve. She said those

individuals are Mr. Brian Hercules, who represented Council District One and

Mr. Jim Martin who represents Council District 8. She said the Council member

who represents those districts would have to nominate someone else.



Clerk of Council Washington further advised Councilor Woodson that her

representative, Ms. Mary G. Walker-Crooks has also moved out of the district in

which she was appointed to represent and therefore would also have to be

replaced.



*** *** ***



C.I.R.C.L.E:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that on last week that Ms. Deidre

Williams was nominated to succeed Mr. Salvador Diaz-Verson, as well as Mr.

Feliciano nominated to succeed himself for another term of office and advises

that they may now be confirmed.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers so moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried

unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting.



*** *** ***



COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:



Clerk of Council Washington advised that the terms of office of Ms.

Floretta Thornton-Reid, who represents Council District Seven and Ms. Leigh

Stewart, who represents Council District Eight on the Community Development

Advisory Council would expire on March 27, 2004 and said they are not eligible

to succeed themselves.



She then advised Councilors Woodson and McDaniel that they would need to

submit a recommendation for these two seats.



*** *** ***



KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers said he would nominate Mr. Chuck Granberry as

recommended by the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission to succeed Mr. Joel

Collis.



Clerk of Council Washington then advised that she would bring this

nomination back at a later date for the Council?s confirmation.



*** *** ***



PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we need someone to fill the

alternate seat of Mr. David Edwards.



She said she has spoken with the President of the Society of Human

Resources Management and they have a recommendation for this alternate position

and she will bring it back at the next regularly scheduled Council meeting.



*** *** ***



PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that she has outlined the nominees

for the two alternate positions on the Planning Advisory Commission. She

advised that the following are the nominees for Mr. Andrew Mullin?s alternate

seat:



Mr. William Jiles, Mr. Travis Miller, Mr. Willard Barnes and Mr. Joe

Alexander.



Clerk of Council Washington then took the first roll call vote, which

resulted in Mr. William Jiles receiving one vote (Allen). Mr. Travis Miller

receiving one vote. (McDaniel) Mr. Willard Barnes receiving two votes.

(Henderson & Turner Pugh) Mr. Joe Alexander receiving five votes. (Davis,

Hunter, Rodgers, Suber and Woodson)



With Mr. Jiles and Mr. Miller only receiving two votes, they were then

eliminated and then a second vote was taken to determine if Mr. Barnes or Mr.

Alexander would be elected.



On the second roll call vote Mr. Willard Barnes received three votes, with

Councilors Allen, Henderson and Turner Pugh voting for him. Mr. Joe Alexander

received six votes and therefore being selected as the new alternate member.

Voting for Mr. Alexander were Councilors Davis, Hunter, McDaniel, Rodgers,

Suber and Woodson.



Clerk of Council Washington then advised that Mr. Joe Alexander could be

confirmed. Councilor Suber so moved.



Clerk of Council Washington then outlined the nominees for Mr. Bob Crane?s

alternate seat, which includes:



Mr. John Allen, Ms. Charlene LeBleu, Mr. Ted Land and Mr. Christopher

Wightman.



Councilor Allen said there are no lay (non industry) persons on the

Planning Advisory Commission. He said there are two nominees who are not

industry related, which are Mr. Allen and Ms. LeBleu. He said as he stated

earlier when he nominated Mr. Allen, as far as they know there is no family

relationship.



He said he has spoken with the City Manager and said there really needs to

be more of a balance on the Planning Advisory Commission and said currently it

is heavily weighed toward industry, either realty or construction and building

types.



Councilor Davis said he agrees with Councilor Allen and said he also

thinks it is important that we have more female representation on the board and

he would trust his fellow Council members in their judgment as he made this

observation.



Clerk of Council Washington then took the first roll call vote, which

resulted in Mr. John Allen receiving two votes. (Allen & Rodgers) Ms. Charlene

LeBleu received five votes. (Davis, Hunter, Pugh, Suber and Woodson) Mr. Ted

Land received two votes. (Henderson & McDaniel).

Mr. Christopher Wightman did not receive any votes.



Mr. Christopher Wightman and Mr. Ted Land were eliminated after the first

roll call vote. Clerk of Council Washington then proceeded to take the second

roll call vote when Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers said there would be no need to take a

second vote, as he would change his vote and then voted for Ms. Charlene

LeBleu, with her now receiving six votes.



Clerk of Council Washington then advised that Ms. LeBleu could be

confirmed. Councilor Suber so moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried

unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting.



*** *** ***



WEST CENTRAL GA REGIONAL MH/DD/AD BOARD:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Debra Garab has resigned

her position on the board and that Council needs to nominate someone for this

seat, but there were no nominations.



*** *** ***



With there being no other business to come before this Council, Mayor

Poydasheff then asked if there was anyone who was not listed on the Public

Agenda, but had an issue to bring before the Council, they could be heard at

this time.



Mr. Colby Davis then appeared and said he is here representing the

property scheduled for demolition at 746 & 746 ? Church Avenue.





Mayor Poydasheff then pointed out that the ordinance has been approved,

which will schedule the demolition as requested by the City Manager and said he

would ask Mr. Davis to get together with the City Manager if he has any further

questions in this regard.



*** *** ***



THREE-WHEEL VEHICLES:



City Manager Cavezza responded to some questions of Councilor Davis as it

relates to the Columbus Police Department?s request to purchase 3-wheel

vehicles.



*** *** ***



EXECUTIVE SESSION:



Regarding an earlier request of City Manager Cavezza, Mayor Pro Tem

Rodgers made a motion to allow the Council to go into an executive session to

discuss a potential litigation matter. Mayor Poydasheff said the Mayor Pro Tem

would be presiding in this meeting, as he has another appointment. He said

there would also be a personnel issue discussed for the Council?s information.

Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of

Council present for this meeting.



At 10:22 a.m., the regular meeting was adjourned to allow the Council to

go into an executive session.



At 10:42 a.m., the meeting was called back to order at which time, Mayor

Pro Tem Rodgers pointed out we met in an executive session to discuss a matter

of potential litigation as well as a personnel issue, but there were no votes

taken.



*** *** ***



City Manager Cavezza pointed out that Councilor Woodson has been selected

as a Woman of Empowerment by the Davis Broadcasting Company and will be honored

at a luncheon.



*** *** ***



311:



City Manager Cavezza said the Public Service Commission has approved us

using the 311-telephone number instead of the 653-4000. He said this will be

the first one in Georgia and will be on a trial basis for one year.



*** *** ***

With there being no other business to come before the Council, Councilor

Suber then made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Allen and

carried unanimously, with the time being 10:45 a.m.



*** *** ***





Tiny B. Washington, CMC

Clerk of Council

The Council of Columbus, Georgia